Proactive Lifecycle Support

Identifying and Solving Sustainment Challenges

As a result of continuing fiscal constraints, today’s warfighter systems are often in use decades beyond their planned lifecycle. Rapid advancement in commercial technology impacts production and planned sustainment support for critical weapons platforms. Many new systems in development experience obsolescence issues prior to reaching Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP). Torch provides a wide range of proactive services to help warfighter programs manage risk associated with lifecycle sustainment.

Obsolescence Management

The key to managing obsolescence is to identify risks early enough to plan and budget for the most cost-effective long-term solution. Utilizing the Multifunctional Obsolescence Resolution Environment (MORE) database in conjunction with commercially available research tools, Torch provides continuous monitoring of components and assemblies that enable proactive management of obsolescence. Torch and the Government customer team with DoD Program Offices and OEMs to develop plans that mitigate obsolescence before it occurs. Typical mitigation strategies include End-of-Life buys, redesigns or qualifying an alternate part.

Form-Fit-Function Re-Design

A form-fit-function re-design is beneficial when parts have been abandoned by the OEM or in instances where parts are failing at an uneconomical rate. Torch can characterize performance characteristics using lab testing or through part research in order to develop a complete form-fit-function replacement part. When performing a re-design effort, Torch develops and delivers complete TDPs, TMs, and other MIL-STD documentation to the customer needed for future procurement, production, and sustainment
of the replacement.

Counterfeit Risk Management

Counterfeit parts pose critical safety issues to the Warfighter and cost concerns to the DoD. Defense electronics represent only a small portion of the overall electronics market. Factors such as part availability, long lead times, stringent DoD performance requirements, foreign foundries, and cost drivers can all lead to insertion of counterfeit parts in the supply chain. This may involve re-marking or re-packaging stolen or non-working parts or insertion of unapproved substitutions. Torch works with the Government to closely monitor the pedigree of part suppliers.

Partnerships

Across Government and Industry

Torch maintains membership in the Government-Industry Data Exchange Program (GIDEP). GIDEP is a cooperative activity between government and industry participants seeking to reduce or eliminate expenditures of resources by sharing technical information essential during research, design, development, production and operational phases of the life cycle of systems, facilities and equipment.